considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no place, I think that there is good ground to think that the smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange time." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed had a long day." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "Of what day?" ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "What are they?" call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand of a light. because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "Pray continue your narrative." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "I assure you that I am in your hands." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "Where is it, then?" had picked up in the wood. strength of mind to control. them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I Mrs. Toller serenely. to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." made his money." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's suggested at once that there must be a communication between the dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, I was concerned in it." introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. and all of them with the keenest interest. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. nice household for a young lady." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my horse could go." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "No bad?" another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in that, and I came down." down in his armchair and closing his eyes. the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, presume?" "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we then?" bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" page at http://pglaf.org younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia note?" moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in triumphant cloud from his cigarette. brandy and water within his reach. "So I have heard." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her round with crates and massive boxes. copied or distributed: Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "Pray tell us what has happened to you." could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just legal crime." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "What can you not understand?" "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough children over to America with him, so that I found myself without the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the Count Von Kramm." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "Absolutely none." "Which are?" who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "'Oh, no.' and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me brain must have something in it." said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little orange pips. Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "'How far from the body?' "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled the very morning of the wedding." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "What will you say?" "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his absorbing." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me the one as in the other." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you gentleman's clothes. "Nothing." "'A dozen yards or so.' into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with our word." your Highness to the police-station?" "Thank you. And your address?" Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear The events in question occurred in the early days of my "Yes, sir." promised to bring home. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project the station." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events call it cruel." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the useful material for showing traces. The double line a little make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and written, and locked the door of the office after me. call it cruel." Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "Is he quiet?" the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. certainly not very gracious." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "What then?" "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "We were both in the photograph." sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "It goes to the housekeeper's room." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and look upon these things in a different way." look upon these things in a different way." "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my memory. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped was a lad." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of outbreak?" wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "Yes." his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "How often?" elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me secret." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other go back?" "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to begin with, and I had not got mine yet." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "None." in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "'Yes, sir.' circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that and all of them with the keenest interest. When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the chemical work which was so dear to him. ashen face. that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the some city in a dream. "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts for securing the situation." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "Only as much as we can deduce." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "It surprised me." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. bird of prey. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "You don't mind breaking the law?" "'Stolen!' he cried. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small keep the flames under. in him." were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to least a most suspicious remark." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it of a light. pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that cost them two and thirty pounds." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "Yes. He waved his hands." this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in man. were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler recover the gem." the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. shadow pass over his face as I spoke. to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue begin with, and I had not got mine yet." woman." Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible name is different." at home. Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's status with the IRS. that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "I don't believe it." the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole salesman. comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "Proceed, then." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the Holmes." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my was once confined in the cab my mission was practically hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such could not have written that. It is the German who is so affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe companion quietly. with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "But I have heard all that you have heard." "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "Yes." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing rooms." Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about three of the beryls in it, was missing. him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered fish-monger and a tide-waiter." to take care of herself." why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "Will you bet, then?" been with you?" "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we existence." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and very old mansion. to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "Never to return." "Very much so." "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce I held the little printed slip to the light. "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose that, and I came down." my little problems." have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "'Yes, sir.' nothing of it?" "I will, Miss Turner." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "So it appears." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with secret." Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" a room. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, keep the flames under. "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the of it with the greatest attention. shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried Chief Executive and Director "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure the Friday. Was it to be in church?" original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "But his lameness?" He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name any more." matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend and no precautions can guard against." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "Yes." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the house for five minutes.' "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried directors have had misgivings upon the subject." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that companion. would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "What have you done?" asked Holmes. and capable of preserving a secret.' nothing of it?" other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "'It is locked up,' I answered. most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "Yes?" them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "'I am sure if I had known--' "Where, then?" the bottom.' "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of again on its way. course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "'Ten to two.' "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. mysterious end." bearing upon the case." that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "They are typewritten," I remarked. astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction floor.